How to Switch Courses/Departments in Your First Year

It is 100% possible to switch from one department to another in Nigerian universities after your first year with a high CGPA and meeting other requirements.

I remember how unhappy I was when I discovered after my 4th JAMB that I had been admitted to study animal and environmental biology instead of medical laboratory science.

My decision then was to reject the admission, but I had a change of plans when I found out I could still change my course after my first year at the university.

Trust me when I say I understand what you’re going through, and it’s why I have decided to write a detailed explanation of how you can change to your desired course or department.

Feel free to let me know in the comment if you have any questions or need further assistance. I would love to hear from you.

How to Change Departments in Your First Year

Here is a breakdown of the process of changing your course;

1. Accept the Admission
2. Speak With a Senior Colleague
3. Get a High CGPA in Your First Year
4. Register Extra Courses
5. Apply for Change of Course Form
6. Write Another JAMB

1. Accept the Admission

Accepting admission for a course that is not your choice is the first thing you must do for this process. There is no point for you to spend an extra year at home as staying on campus would increase your chances of achieving your dream.

In my case, I wanted to reject the admission to Animal Biology but trust me, you won’t regret accepting the admission. Also, I guessed you’ve already done that, which is why you are currently reading this post.

Accepting this admission would involve many academic and social sacrifices because you are trying to change your department.

For example, if you want to switch to Medicine and Surgery or Law, you must study like students in these departments in your first year.

2. Speak With a Senior Colleague

Speaking to a senior colleague previously in your current department is the best way to get information about changing your course.

What exactly do I mean by connecting with a senior student? You were admitted to biochemistry and want to transfer to pharmacy. You will look for somebody who has successfully changed from Bbiochemistryto Pharmacy.

You can connect with this category of students at the hostel or through Christian or Muslim fellowship, etc. When you meet with them, explain your situation to them and say that you’re trying to take the road they took to achieving your dream.

Now, whatever they tell you would boil down to three things;

• High CGPA
• Connection or Money
• Department releasing students for change of course

The system is different for each school; like some schools, you can transfer from one professional course to another.

HOD of some departments does not allow students to switch to another department. If this is the situation, you will find this post’s last point helpful.

3. Get a High CGPA in Your First Year

The following is my advice to get good grades at the university;

• Attend all your lectures and take notes
• Study ahead of your class using the course outline
• Practice past questions
• Join a study group

4. Register Extra Courses

Students of related disciplines at the university offer similar courses. But, chances are there are one or two courses that students of the department you’re trying to change to do that aree not done at your current department.

For example, nursing students may offer BIO 102 and CHM 122, which students in microbiology do not provide. This means that a Microbiology department student must register for both courses and switch to Nursing.

You must ask and find the course outline of the department you’re applying to. Then, ensure you take all the necessary courses in your first year.

You must repeat the first year in some schools, especially for courses like Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, etc. But, if you ask me, I would say it is worth it.

5. Apply for Change of Course Form

Change of course form is usually released in the second semester, and the cost is between fifty to two hundred thousand (₦50,000-150,000), depending on your school.

Ensure you purchase the form before its expiration date. The application could be online or physical, depending on the method adopted by your school.

Also, submit the correct documents to ensure your application is successful.

6. Write Another JAMB

Sitting for another JAMB examination and performing excellently is the best alternative to achieving your dream of studying your desired course.

As I mentioned, some departments do not allow students to transfer out. Taking another UTME exam is your best choice.

After my admission to Animal Biology one year later, I had to use this method to get into the University of Nigeria, College of Medicine.

Trust me, being a student on campus would be an academic advantage when you sit for another UTME.

However, you would have to endure the stress of excelling in your first year of coursework and the JAMB exam.

Conclusion

Switching courses or departments in your first year at a Nigerian university might seem daunting, but it’s achievable with the right information and proactive steps.

You can confidently navigate the process by understanding your school’s policies, maintaining a strong academic performance, and seeking proper guidance.

Don’t be afraid to explore your interests and pursue your passions. Switching courses or departments is possible.

Ask me any questions using the comment box below, and I will respond soon.